EUVE_J1429-38.0: A New Magnetic Cataclysmic Variable

The Astrophysical Journal Letters, 457, L91, 1996

Abstract

The source EUVE_J1429-38.0 was discovered serendipitously by the
Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) satellite on 1993 March 5.
Optical spectroscopy confirms a cataclysmic-variable-type optical
counterpart for the source, showing Balmer, He I and Ca emission, as
well as strong He II emission. The optical spectrum, the apparent
high/low state behavior, and possible weak cyclotron humps visible in
the spectrum indicate that this star is likely to be an AM Herculis
system, but the possibility of being a DQ Her, or an unlocked AM Her
system can not be excluded. Analysis of the highly modulated EUVE
photometry yields a period of 2 hr 22 min, which we conclude is the
binary orbital period. In addition, a 57 min period is also present.
An orbital period of 2.5 hr would make EUVE_J1429-38.0 only the third
known AM Her system within the cataclysmic variable period gap, all
three of which were discovered through EUV observations.